The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked up to 6.8 percent in May as DWD projected 900 private sector jobs were added.
That’s up slightly over April’s rate of 6.7 percent.
DWD officials attributed the increased rate to a larger number of people actively seeking employment. While the total number of employed Wisconsinites grew by an estimated 3,000 over April, the number classified as unemployed jumped by 3,200.
Nelse Grundvig, research administrator for the department’s Division of Employment and Training, said in a conference call with reporters this afternoon that the jump in people looking for work could be a positive sign as the state heads into its busiest hiring season.
The report said total non-farm jobs rose by an estimated 2,600 last month.
The agency also said last month’s estimates for April employment had been revised, showing an increase of 1,900 private sector jobs over the original projection.
